Baked chicken breast meatballs

Delicious Baked Chicken Breast Meatball Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love meatballs? These little delights are not only versatile but also extremely easy to prepare! Moreover, baked chicken breast meatballs are a fantastic choice for those looking for a healthy yet flavorful meal. In this recipe, we will transform a simple chicken breast into an explosion of flavors, combined with onion, garlic, and parsley. Here’s how to achieve these delicious meatballs, step by step!

A bit of history
Meatballs have a long history, being prepared in various forms and with different ingredients around the world. From ground meat to fish or vegetables, each culture has its own variations. What makes them so popular is their versatility; they can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in sandwiches. So, it’s time to put on our aprons and get to work!

Necessary ingredients
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 1 small onion
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- 1 teaspoon of chicken spices
- Pepper to taste
- A little salt
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 80g breadcrumbs (adjustable to preference)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, cut it into small pieces, about 2-3 cm, to facilitate the chopping process. Chop the onion and parsley coarsely; there’s no need to finely chop them as you will put them in the food processor.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces, chopped onion, crushed (or finely chopped) garlic, parsley, oil, and spices (salt, pepper, and chicken spices). Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients, ensuring they combine evenly.

3. Chopping the mixture
Transfer the meat mixture into a food processor. Pulse gently until you achieve a uniform paste, but not too fine. This will give the meatballs a pleasant and juicy texture.

4. Adding the egg and breadcrumbs
Place the meat paste in a clean bowl and add the beaten egg. Mix gently, then add the breadcrumbs. It’s important to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs based on the egg size; you can start with 80g and, if the mixture feels too wet, add another 10g. Mix until well combined.

5. Forming the meatballs
With slightly oiled hands, form the meatballs to your desired size (usually about the size of a golf ball). Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for even baking.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with meatballs in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy on top. You can turn them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

7. Serving
Meatballs are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad or baked zucchini chips, as we chose. You can also add a yogurt or tzatziki sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Tips and tricks
- Customization: You can add other spices or herbs, such as thyme or oregano, for added flavor.
- Variations: If you want a lower-calorie option, you can use turkey or low-fat chicken.
- Freezing: These meatballs can be easily frozen. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to airtight plastic bags. You can bake them directly from the freezer, extending the baking time slightly.
- Nutritional benefits: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in nutrients, while parsley provides vitamins and antioxidants, making it ideal for a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use ground chicken? Yes, you can use ground chicken, but make sure it is not too fatty to achieve juicy meatballs.
- What other sides pair well? These meatballs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- How can I make the meatballs spicier? Add a bit of crushed red pepper or spicy seasonings to the meat mixture.

These baked chicken breast meatballs are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, and your family will surely love this simple and quick recipe. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this flavorful culinary experience!